CEREBRAL PALSY
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the motor part of the brain hence making movement and posture tough or not attainable at all. It is however very important to note that cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move. Cerebral Palsy is also a life long condition that if generally managed may not deteriorate.
TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY
As stated earlier Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of disorders that affect the movement of the afflicted person. Cerebral Palsy is unique to each and every individual.
UNDERSTANDING CEREBRAL PALSY
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that affects muscle control and movement. It’s usually caused by an injury to the brain before, during or after birth. Although someone who has CP has problems moving his/her muscles, this is not because there is something wrong with the muscles or nerves but because of problems in the brain.
Simply stated, “cerebral” refers to the brain, and “palsy” refers to muscle weakness and poor control. Although the brain itself will not get worse, people who have cerebral palsy will usually change over time. Sometimes they will get better, and some will stay the same. Occasionally they will get worse, usually because of changing muscle tone or development of joint contractures when no intervention is made.
There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy; however there are different treatment options for people who have cerebral palsy. These options include therapy, medications, surgery, education and support. By taking advantage of these treatments, people with CP can improve their function, minimize the development of complicating issues and optimize the quality of their lives.
CLASSIFICATION
1. Mild
When Cerebral Palsy is defined as mild a child can move without assistance; their daily life activities are usually not limited
2. Moderate
Moderate Cerebral Palsy cases usually indicate that a child will need some assistive and adaptive technology to accomplish their respective daily activities
3. Severe
Severe Cerebral Palsy cases usually indicate that the child will need a wheelchair and will experience some difficulty accomplishing daily activities
4. No Cerebral Palsy
No Cerebral Palsy usually means that the child has no Cerebral Palsy sign and if they do get Cerebral Palsy its usually past the brain development stage, common causes for Cerebral Palsy after the brain development stage are traumatic brain injury or encephalopathy.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL PALSY
Many signs and symptoms are normally not readily visible at birth except for severe cases, most appear within the first three to five years of life as both the brain and the child develop.
TREATMENT
Although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, early intervention will often improve a child’s capabilities. Many children with cerebral palsy go on to enjoy near normal adult lives if their disabilities are properly managed.